Emotionally, Zhou Huajin hugged Zhou You tightly, his voice choked with emotion. "I thought I'd lost you... I never expected our paths to cross again."

Zhou You was also deeply moved. Before meeting, he had tried to temper his hopes, thinking that even if they were to reunite, things would never be the same, especially since his father had a new family. But seeing him now, Zhou You felt grateful that he was still alive.

"Sir, President Tong is here," reported the butler from the door. Zhou You looked up to see an energetic old man entering, whom he faintly recognized.

"How's my disciple doing?" Tong Li asked with authority. Glancing at Zhou You and another unfamiliar face, he inquired, "And who are these gentlemen?"

Zhou Huajin quickly introduced Zhou You, "This is the president of the Yangcheng Martial Arts Association, Mr. Tong. Address him as Uncle Tong. He's also Yichen's master. This, Mr. Tong, is my eldest son, Zhou You. We've been separated for a decade but are finally reunited."

President Tong, evidently aware of Zhou Huajin's missing son, nodded courteously at Zhou You. However, he didn't express any particular warmth. To him, Zhou You seemed like an ordinary man, and reuniting with Zhou Huajin probably wouldn't bring any significant advantage.

"Mr. Tong, come quickly! Xiao Chen seems to have encountered a problem during his training," Mrs. Zhou said anxiously, pushing her husband. Deep down, she felt a twinge of resentment. Had Zhou Huaqin forsaken his younger son upon having an elder one? Was this the time to reminisce about the past?

Zhou You knew of their urgency. Now that they had found their father, the remaining matters could be approached slowly. After all, there were already signs of these events back then, and Zhou You wasn't completely in the dark.

"We'll take our leave for now. Given the situation at your home, I'll visit another day," Zhou You said, taking a step back.

Zhou Huaqin, brimming with questions, grabbed his arm and said, "Don't be in such a rush. Have a seat downstairs. I'll join you shortly. This is also your home, so you should feel comfortable here."

Zhou You smiled, gently removing his arm and shaking his head, "I don't have a home, but I soon will. We can stay in touch. I won't be leaving Yang City for now."

"How can I contact you?"

Zhou You left his phone number without adding much else, then departed with Shao Qi.

Once they exited the villa district, Shao Qi pondered in silence for a while in the car before asking, "Are you upset?"

"Not at all," Zhou You denied firmly.

"Look on the bright side," Shao Qi began, "You probably assumed your parents were gone. It's a pleasant surprise to find one alive. You're thirty now and should start a family. You're not still yearning for fatherly love, right? It's good he has a new family; it means one less worry for you."

Zhou You shot him a look, "What are you talking about? Some things, no matter how hard we try, can't be changed. What's love anyway? It's bound to deteriorate over time. Friendship is more steadfast."

Hearing this, Shao Qi retorted, "Friendship has its place, and while love might fade, it still has its merits. Are you scared we might break up in the future?"

Zhou You scoffed, "We're not even together. What break-up are you talking about?"

But it wasn't the fear of breaking up. He dreaded the possibility of two people, once in love, becoming enemies. Though he believed such a scenario wouldn't happen between him and Shao Qi, what did love mean in the post-apocalyptic world? Survival was everyone's primary concern.

As they drove past a commercial street, Zhou You signaled to stop, telling Shao Qi, "I want to buy a place in Yang City, somewhere to return to."

Shao Qi didn't object. Had he cared about housing, he probably would have properties all over the country by now.

Everyone was supportive when they heard Zhou You wanted to buy a house, offering various suggestions.

Li Yunxi thought he was staying for his relatives and recommended, "The residential area we visited earlier is good, and close to your uncle. Plus, if you buy a place there, it shows people you've made it on your own, not relying on your father."

"No," Miao Miao intervened, "Mr. Zhou has been independent for years. Living too close to his parents might not be ideal. While the inner city is safe, the outer city is more convenient. Just look at the tedious security checks we face going in and out. Better to reside outside."

Cheng Suyan chimed in enthusiastically, "Our Wanjian Sect has a branch in Yang City. I can ask around for you. What kind of house do you prefer? Or perhaps a mansion? Like the one at Heavy Sword Manor you mentioned?"

Zhou You glanced at them, thinking if he was buying a place, it should be spacious, accommodating everyone, and ideally with space for the little white tiger to play.

"Then could you inquire about available mansions for sale? Even if it's remote, we can negotiate the price."

Cheng Suyan nodded with a smile, making a few phone calls.

Shao Qi stroked his chin in thought, then made a call to a friend. The moment his friend recognized the voice, he hung up. But shortly after, he called back, his voice a mix of surprise and delight, "Is this... Mr. Shao? What can I assist you with?"

"I recall you owing me some money. When do you plan to repay it?"

The person spoke with a hint of sobbing, "Mr. Shao, it's not that I wish to avoid payment. Business has been challenging these past years. I'm barely able to afford meals, and at this rate, I'll have to sell my house and car to settle debts..."

"Alright then, sell them. Do you still live at the Litchi Mansion?"

"What...?"

Shao Qi's voice turned icy, "Stay put. I'll be there shortly."

Shao Qi pulled Zhou You into the car, "I'm taking you somewhere. Let's see if you like it."

Elsewhere, Su Ting'er muttered to himself in trepidation, "Is this 'God of Death' joking? Could he really be interested in my small piece of land? When did he develop an interest in real estate?"